Lake Austin busy during first full open weekend after waterways ban
Posted: Mon, 3 Aug 2026 10:35 AM - 225 Readers
By: KVUE
People are returning in large numbers to Lake Austin for the first full open weekend after city waterways were closed for nearly two weeks due to heavy flooding and related safety concerns. The closures stemmed from floodgate operations by the Lower Colorado River Authority and Austin Water following significant rains in the Texas Hill Country, which led to high water levels, strong currents, debris, and elevated bacteria risks. Officials imposed and repeatedly extended bans on recreational and commercial use of the waterways, including Lake Austin, Lady Bird Lake, and parts of the Colorado River, to protect boaters and others from hazardous conditions.
Local businesses that rely on the lake felt the impact sharply during the shutdowns. Paul Mahler, owner of Austin Duck Adventures, reported losing roughly $50,000 to $100,000 in sales from canceled tours during a busy summer period, noting the difficulty of repeated short-term bans that were later extended. With the waterways now reopened and conditions safer, the lake is crowded again, and operators like Mahler express relief and optimism about getting back to normal operations.
